11 Best Things to Do in Santorini on Your First Visit
Make Your Santorini Trip Happen ✨
✈️ Flights to Santorini
🏨 Hotels in Santorini
🚙 Rent a car in Santorini
🎫 Activities & Tours in Santorini
📱 Stay connected with an eSIM
💸 FREE no-win no-fee flight insurance
Santorini is the poster child for Greek island dreams.
Those iconic whitewashed buildings, cobalt-blue domes, and jaw-dropping sunsets have lured travellers for decades.
But with so much on offer, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype and miss the island’s deeper charms.
If it’s your first time, you want more than just a pretty Instagram shot.
You want to feel the pulse of Santorini’s landscape, history, and culture. You want to explore beyond the postcard.
This guide lays out the eleven best experiences to savour on your first visit, from hidden hikes to volcanic beaches, ancient ruins to authentic local flavours.
Grab your sunhat and sunscreen and let’s dive in.
Walk the Caldera Path from Fira to Oia
Table of Contents
One of Santorini’s greatest joys is its dramatic caldera, a volcanic crater flooded by the Aegean Sea.
The footpath linking Fira and Oia traces the cliff edge and offers some of the most spectacular views on earth.
This roughly 10km hike is moderately challenging but absolutely worth it.
Along the way you’ll pass small villages, chapels with those famous blue domes, and panoramic vistas that seem to stretch forever.
The path weaves through rugged volcanic terrain and terraced vineyards.
Stop for a rest at Imerovigli, known as the “balcony of the Aegean”, where you’ll find quieter spots away from the crowds.
Start early to avoid midday heat and pack plenty of water and sunscreen. The trail is well marked but wear sturdy shoes and expect some ups and downs.
Best Hotels in Santorini 🏨
Best 5 Star Hotels in Santorini
Grace Hotel • Katikies • Andronis Luxury Suites • Perivolas Santorini • Kivotos
Best 4 Star Hotels in Santorini
Villa Manos • El Greco Resort & Spa • Terra Blanca Suites • Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa • Santa Irina Luxury Sunny Lofts
Explore Ancient Akrotiri
Often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean”, Akrotiri is a remarkable archaeological site of a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash.
Walking through the ruins is like stepping back in time to a sophisticated city that vanished in a catastrophic eruption.
The site reveals multi-storey buildings, frescoes with vibrant colours, and early examples of plumbing. It provides incredible insight into life on Santorini thousands of years ago.
Be sure to visit the small museum onsite to see artefacts uncovered from the excavation. It’s best to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the busiest crowds.
Swim and Relax at the Black Sand Beaches
Santorini’s volcanic origins have gifted it with some uniquely beautiful beaches.
Unlike the typical golden sands elsewhere, here you’ll find striking black or red sand beaches framed by dramatic cliffs.
Perissa and Kamari are two of the most popular black sand beaches. Their long stretches of pebbled shore and clear waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
For something quieter, head to Vlychada, known for its lunar-like cliffs and sculpted rock formations. The beach here is less crowded and has a laid-back vibe.
Pack a beach towel and sun protection, and enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing.
Visit Pyrgos Village for a Taste of Traditional Santorini
Pyrgos is one of the island’s lesser-known gems.
This charming village, built on a hillside, offers a glimpse of authentic Santorini away from the busier tourist hubs.
Wander the narrow, winding streets lined with old churches, whitewashed houses, and quaint squares.
Climb up to the Venetian castle ruins at the top for panoramic views that stretch across the island and sea.
Pyrgos also has a handful of cafes and small galleries where you can rest and soak up local life. It’s a peaceful retreat and perfect for a slower pace.
Enjoy Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
Santorini’s volcanic soil produces some of Greece’s most distinctive wines, especially the crisp and mineral-driven Assyrtiko variety. The island’s vineyards are an essential experience for any visitor.
Many wineries offer tours where you can learn about traditional vine-growing techniques and taste a range of local wines.
These tours often include insights into the unique basket-shaped vines grown close to the ground to protect them from the wind.
Some vineyards pair tastings with plant-based snacks like olives, fresh bread, and local cheeses made from plant ingredients.
Booking a tasting in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer season.
More Santorini Posts:
What NOT to Do in Santorini So Your Vacation Isn’t Spoiled
Santorini, Greece: 25 Dos and Don’ts You Should Know Before You Go
3 Perfect Days in Santorini, Greece
9 Things You NEED to Know Before Booking Santorini
Discover Ammoudi Bay and Swim in Crystal Clear Waters
Ammoudi Bay, located below Oia, is a small fishing harbour that contrasts beautifully with the whitewashed village above.
The vibrant red cliffs and blue waters make it a stunning spot to explore.
You can reach Ammoudi by walking down a set of stone steps from Oia. Once there, enjoy swimming in the clear waters, or simply relax by the harbour.
There are several small waterfront cafes offering light snacks and refreshments, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
BEST HOTELS IN SANTORINI 🏨
Best Budget Friendly Hotels in Santorini
Stelios Place • Meltemi Village Hotel • Hotel Goulielmos
Best Hotels in Santorini For Couples
Perivolas Santorini • Andronis Boutique Hotel • Canaves Oia Suites
Best Hotels in Santorini For Families
Sea Breeze Resort • Andronis Arcadia • Lotza Studios
Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini
Andronis Boutique Hotel • Villa Bordeaux
Experience a Sunset from Imerovigli
While Oia’s sunset is world-famous, Imerovigli offers a quieter alternative with equally breathtaking views.
Nicknamed the “balcony of the Aegean”, this village sits high on the caldera rim with dramatic vistas of the sun dipping into the sea.
Find a spot on one of the terraces or peaceful viewpoints and watch as the sky bursts into colour.
The atmosphere here is more relaxed than Oia, making it a great choice for a contemplative evening.
Arrive early to claim a good vantage point and bring a light jacket as it can get breezy after sunset.
Explore the Volcanic Islands by Boat
Santorini’s volcanic caldera includes several smaller islands accessible by boat.
Many tours run daily and take visitors close to the volcanic crater on Nea Kameni, where you can hike to the hot springs.
Swimming in the natural thermal waters is a unique experience and offers a relaxing break from the heat. Some tours also include stops for snorkelling and swimming in secluded bays.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and water shoes for exploring rocky terrain.
Wander the Streets of Fira
Fira is Santorini’s bustling capital and a hub of activity.
The town’s steep streets are lined with shops, cafes, and galleries.
Take time to wander away from the main drag and discover quieter corners with charming chapels, local artisan shops, and cosy coffee spots.
A ride on the cable car down to the old port or a walk down the winding steps is a fun way to see a different side of Fira.
Visit the Santorini Tomato Museum
For something a little different, the Santorini Tomato Museum celebrates one of the island’s most important crops.
The volcanic soil produces tomatoes with unique flavour and texture.
The museum offers interactive exhibits explaining the history and cultivation of Santorini’s prized tomato, plus tastings of tomato-based products.
It’s a fun, educational stop for food lovers curious about local agriculture.
Santorini Awaits Your Arrival
Santorini’s magic lies beyond its postcard-perfect images.
It’s in the rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant food culture waiting to be discovered.
These eleven experiences offer a rich introduction to the island’s diverse charms.
With a balance of adventure, history, relaxation and mindful eating, your first visit to Santorini will be unforgettable.
Prepare for sun, sea and stunning views. Santorini awaits your arrival.
